Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/343790
www.PowersportsBusiness.com MOTORCYCLE Powersports Business • July 13, 2014 • 41 will start around $15,000 for a basic model and top off in the high $20,000s for touring models, will draw customers and dealers alike. Sabertooth plans to build a dealer network for its trike line, and dealers who have seen the prototype model so far have positive about its prospects, Daniels said. "If you're not a Harley dealer, you're not going to be selling any Tri Glides, so the multi- line dealers, [trikes are] just not an option for them," he added. "The other option is the Can-Am Spyder, but that appeals to a different group of people." While Sabertooth is still working on a pro- duction structure and seeking possible partners to help the company move to mass production, Daniels says the WildCat trike will be available in the 2015 calendar year. V-8 BIKE SALES CONTINUE Though much of Sabertooth's efforts have been focused on the WildCat trike as of late, produc- tion continues on the company's signature V-8 WildCat and TurboCat models. The bikes, equipped with 302- or 427-cubic-inch Ford racing engines, compete against Boss Hoss for the small V-8 motorcycle market. "The market for V-8 motorcycles is never going to be like Harley or Yamaha or anything like that, but it's definitely in the hundreds a year if it's a good one," Daniels said. Though only a few hundred V-8 motorcy- cles are sold in the U.S. annually, according to Daniels, the worldwide market for the unique bikes is growing. Sabertooth has made bikes for customers in the Middle East and Europe, and a unit for a customer in South Africa is nearing completion. Sabertooth has also had inquiries from Chinese customers. "V-8 motorcycles have a very unique cus- tomer base, and the people that like them are very passionate about them. But they're not for everyone," Daniels said. With interest still building both domesti- cally and internationally, Sabertooth hopes to ramp up production of its V-8 bikes. PSB TRIKE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 The WildCat trike will be purpose-built from the ground up, including a frame and rakes designed specifically for three-wheel riding. Sabertooth was recently awarded two patents for its trike, including one for its SureTrac rear-wheel steering system. Despite a challenging start the 2014 Isle of Man TT, CFMOTO still made headlines as the first Chinese-manufactured bike to finish the TT race and the first new manufacturer to enter the competition since 1957. "Putting a Chinese-manufactured machine against Japanese and European giants has cer- tainly caused a stir, and it shows the strength of conviction we have in its reliability, and per- formance capabilities," said team spokesperson Henry Maplethorpe. During a week of practice and qualifying sessions, 2014 CFMOTO/WK Bikes racer Gary Johnson pushed the 650i (650NK) to new limits, clocking average speed of 114 mph and qualifying seventh with a 19.51 lap time. In one practice session, Johnson finished fourth — an outstanding achievement and tes- tament to the quality of the bike and the skills of the pilot. Tragedy struck just days before the race when 33-year-old Johnson crashed during the 1000cc supersport race and had to bow out of the championship due to injuries. "We posted some great times and a fourth place in Gary's practice was better than we could have imagined," Maplethorpe said. Fellow TT legend Paul Owen, with more than 50 TT finishes under his belt, stepped in to replace Johnson but with no time on the bike prior to the race to prepare for the grueling three-lap race, experienced pilot Owen couldn't get the team across the finish line. Another surprise was British rider Cal- lum Laidlaw, who raced his maiden TT on a CFMOTO 650NK using a standard engine and suspension. The 24-year-old's best lap was the final, where he clocked a 21.20 and finished 33rd with a top speed of 106 mph. "I am so happy to have got a finish for CFMOTO and WK bikes on their 650NK machine," Laidlaw said. "I think the machine is fantastic and I want to compete many more times on this bike." PSB Historic TT finish a plus for CFMOTO The CFMOTO/WK Bikes entry in the TT became the first Chinese manufactured bike to finish the race.